[C1] electrical failure
Thread Starter
7th Gear
Joined: Jun 2023
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
electrical failure
Yesterday, I braked hard and my electrical system died. I lost brake lights, gauges, radio, turn signals and A/C. Car starts and runs fine and I have head and tail lights. I checked fuses and I don't see anything unplugged, Is there a main fuse or fusable link that would cause this?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 837
Likes: 315
From: The Triangle, NC
My Bad - reading comprehension failure 
.... Was seeing C2 not C1
Google ‘Red Wire Problem C2 Corvette Forum’ and j think you will find your answer
.... Was seeing C2 not C1Google ‘Red Wire Problem C2 Corvette Forum’ and j think you will find your answer
Last edited by kts1962; Jul 28, 2024 at 03:44 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 2,702
Likes: 900
From: Warminster PA
The red wire syndrome is more for C2's, his post is for a C1 with A/C?
Many of the circuits you listed go through the turn signal switch mechanism. There is a connector on the steering column near the support bracket that runs the wires up to the switch area. Check that this connector is secure. While you are twisted around under the dash looking for this connector, double check all the connections you can see.
If you don't find a loose connection, then it may be time to break out the DVM and start doing some voltage tracing.
Just for grins, check the connections at the horn relay as well.
Many of the circuits you listed go through the turn signal switch mechanism. There is a connector on the steering column near the support bracket that runs the wires up to the switch area. Check that this connector is secure. While you are twisted around under the dash looking for this connector, double check all the connections you can see.
If you don't find a loose connection, then it may be time to break out the DVM and start doing some voltage tracing.
Just for grins, check the connections at the horn relay as well.
Thread Starter
7th Gear
Joined: Jun 2023
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
Sorry about that, got called away. 1962 C1 mostly original, except Vintage air, retrosound and generator to alternator. I'll look at the turn signal connections and re-check the others that I can see. I'll start
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 22,167
Likes: 4,172
From: Kannapolis NC
The radio, air cond, and gauges don't go through the turn signal switch connections. The horn relay on the 62 doesn't distribute power like a C2, so that shouldn't be an issue. I can't think of anything that would tie those together. Double check your fuses and fuse block connections, the pink and the yellow connections together in the fuse box, maybe a supply wire pulled loose. Measure voltage on both sides of the fuse with the key on and see if you have 12v on only one side, neither side, or both sides of the fuses with key on and report back.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 867
Likes: 260
From: Hinesville, GA & Oswego, NY
Check the feed wire from the B+ terminal on the starter (where battery cable connects) to the ammeter that supplies all the power for the body, I have a fuse link in my car in that wire for a little fire protection, have never had a problem.
Bill
Bill
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 22,167
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From: Kannapolis NC
Almost Retired
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,299
Likes: 237
From: Akron, Ohio
When you do figure it put I would suggest rewiring to get all that juice off the amp gauge. Several articles can be found on the internet. You are putting more power thru 60 year old wiring. I also replaced amp gauge with volt meter,it looks original, and used relays. Mad Electric has good articles on this.
